Eric Byrd

Pianist/vocalist Eric Byrd has been playing professionally for over 30 years. Along with the principles of swing and be-bop, rousing gospel-tinged chords and trilling blues lines are fundamental elements of his performance style. Byrd’s improvisations are intense, soulful and romantic; he takes listeners on a joyride as his fingers create magical works of art.

At Gettysburg, Byrd leads jazz combos and teaches applied lessons in jazz improvisation as well as Jazz History.

A Grammy Award voter, he has performed with Wynton Marsalis, Chick Corea, Mike Stern, Randy Brecker, Tim Green, Warren Wolf, Jeff Majors, Charlie Byrd, and Yolanda Adams to name a few. Along with his own recordings as a leader, he also appears on over 15 recordings by other artists.

Byrd is currently the director of Worship and Media at FCOB in Frederick, MD. An in-demand leader and sideman, active in both the jazz and gospel worlds, he is the primary composer for the group.